Mr. Shane Lennon:

I can answer the first part of the question. I am very new to this. In three weeks' time I will be starting my IVF treatment. I understand the Senator's question was how best can the State help or support citizens in understanding. It does not need to be very complicated in the sense that most people searching or googling information will go to sites such as Citizens Information for everything. Right now, there is information there for people to understand. For anyone going through this process, it does not matter if we regulate it to the nth degree. It will always be slightly complicated, simply because there are so many parties involved. It is not just about two people. It is important to have a go-to source of information, whether that is the Department of Health or Citizens Information, that is very clear about what is the green pathway to surrogacy, domestically or internationally. Perhaps the regulator should be a point of reference rather than people having to email or call it to ask these questions. Citizens Information would be a great source for everyone to have that. It very clearly sets out the different steps because it really is a multi-step process. IVF is at the core of it and it was brilliant to be able to talk about this today. The Bill will catapult family planning for all Irish people. People will need assisted human reproduction information and assistance more and more as we move forward in life.

It would be good to have a clear framework such that a regular person could understand the steps they need to take and follow.

The Senator asked whether there was a similar model in other countries. While my husband and I looked at the US system also, the Canadian ministry of health makes clear the requirements that need to be met and the steps one has to take through surrogacy. It is stated in clear language that anyone could understand.